Switch



Sept- 25 1933 H. A. wlLcQx, JR 1,928,472

SWITCH Filed July 50, 1931v IN VEN TOR.

HARRY AM/mcoxJR.

BYM, @WMA Qwwu.

ATTORNEYS.

Patented Sept. 26, 1933- UNITED STATES SWITCH Harry A. Wilcox, Jr., New Haven,` Conn., assigner to The Engineering and Research Corporation,

New Haven, Conn., a out Acorporation of Connecti- Application July 30, 1931. Serial No. 553,921

1 Claim.

This invention relates to a functionally and structurally improved circuit closer.

While the present invention may be employed in numerous different associations, it is primarily intended for use as a switch for controlling the operation of signaling systems or units, closures, etc. As such, the present invention aims `to provide an improved switch which willbe operated without conscious effort, and preferably incident to the pressure of a vehicle traversing a lane of travel.

A further object of the Vinvention is that of providing an article of this. nature which will embody relatively few parts, each relatively simple and rugged in construction and capable of ready assemblage, to provide a unitary article operating over a long period of time with freedom from mechanical and electrical difficulties.

Another object is that of constructing a switch unit which will not be deleteriously effected by the action of water, ice, etc., and which may be placed in operative association with the surface of the lane, with minimum disturbance to such surface.

Still another object is that of teaching a method of manufacturing an article of this na.- ture so that the apparatus may be produced at a relatively nominal figure, and in which a minimum number of relatively moving parts will be embodied.

With these and other objects in mind, reference is had to the attached sheet of drawing illustrating one practical embodiment of the invention, and in which:

Fig. 1 is a sectional view of a switch unit;

Fig. 2' is a similar view of the base thereof, and

Fig. 3 is a sectional View of the circuit closer and the operating pad associated therewith.

In these Views, the numeral 5 indicates the body of a lane of travel within which a recess is suitably provided to accommodate the switch unit. The latter preferably comprises a mounting or base 6 which, according to the present embodiment, is formed of metal. This base may be retained against movement withrespect to the body 5 by, for example, using anchor bolts 7 which engage lugs 8 extending outwardly from the base. Disposed within -the base are spacing members 9 formed of rubber or other suitable dielectric material. In turn, mounted upon the latter is apad 10 which may also be formed of rubber stock, or other exible material, and to the under side of which a contact plate l1 is secured.

A lead l2 extends from the plate 11, and a second lead 13 may be connected to the base or the latter may simply be grounded. While these two leads have been shown diagrammatically, it will be understood that if two of them are employed, they are preferably housed in the form of a waterproof cable suitably embedded in the body. 5.

The sheet of metal 11 is preferably relatively narrow and flexible. To this end it may be 7" broad and approximately 45/ 1000" thick. Due to the fact that the pad 10 is preferably of flexible material, it will be apparent that as a vehicle or other moving element passes over the unit, this pad will be bulged downwardly, carrying with it sheet or plate 11 as has been indicated in dotted lines in Fig. 1. The movement of the parts will be limited by the plate 11 contacting with the base due to which occurrence the circuit will be closed. As soon as the pressure is releasedthe pad 10 will move upwardly under the influence of the plate 11. Consequently, if the leads 12--13 are connected to any mechanism which it is desired to operate, energization of the mechanism will follow.

As is readily understood, it is a relatively difficult matter to bond metal and rubber, while rubber surfaces may readily be joined together.

With this in mind, it is proposed, according to .the present invention, to position the strips 9 within the base, as has been shown in Fig. 2. Thereupon, by subjecting the parts to the necessary heat and applying pressure, these strips will be united with the base. mandrel may be disposed between the strips so that the latter will not be deformed due tothe co-operation of the parts. Similarly, the sheet or plate 11 may be joined to the pad 10. Thereupon, it will be a comparatively easy matter to bond the contacting surfaces of the pad l0 and strips 9. Due to this construction, a unit is provided Which will be substantially weather-tight and the parts will stand up indefinitely in use.

Thus, among others, the several objects of the invention, as specifically aforenoted, is achieved.

It is obvious that numerous changes in construction might be resorted to without departing from the spirit of the invention, as dened by the claim.

Having described my invention, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

A switch including, in combination, a rigid base of conducting material, insulating means bonded to said base and spaced from each other, a flexible protecting member bonded adjacent its ends to said insulating means, and an inherent resilient plate of a length less than said member, the spacing of said insulating means being adequate to permit saidl plate to flex into electrical contact with said base upon the application of pressure to the exterior face of said member.

Of course, a suitable 

